Wednesday, October 10, 2007

TOWN AND COUNTRY — CBC's Derek Besant scored in the sixth round of penalty kicks, lifting the host Cadets to a 3-2 victory over DeSmet in Metro Catholic Conference soccer action Tuesday evening.

It was the first loss of the season for the Spartans (12-1-5, 1-1), who are ranked No. 1 locally by the Post-Dispatch and nationally by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. CBC, ranked third among Post-Dispatch large schools, is 17-3-1 and 2-0.

CBC outscored DeSmet 4-3 in penalty kicks. DeSmet keeper Dan Billman stopped the first two CBC shooters, but the Cadets' Andrew Duncan responded, coming up with saves against the Spartans' fourth and fifth shooters. DeSmet's shot in the sixth round went wide.

Nick Sanchez, Jordan Barnes and Gino Valenti were CBC's other scorers in penalty kicks; for DeSmet, Will Bruin, John Mathis and Justin Klenke were successful.

The Spartans, who defeated CBC 2-0 in the CBC Tournament early this season, grabbed the lead midway through the opening half Tuesday as Steve Seithel intercepted a pass in the CBC backfield and scored on a 30-yard blast to the far corner.

The Cadets pulled even later in the half as Barnes converted a through pass from Charlie Backus. Barnes put CBC on top 2-1 with just under 16 minutes to play as the Cadets took advantage of a turnover near midfield.

But DeSmet managed to pull even with less than 4 minutes to play in regulation as Jordan Beckles scored after the Cadets were unable clear the ball from their box.

DeSmet had the best chance in overtime. With about a minute left, Beckles pushed a pass across the field to a wide-open Seithel, but Duncan stopped the low shot.

CBC will travel to Jefferson City this weekend for the Art Firley Shootout. DeSmet returns to action Saturday, hosting second-ranked St. Louis University High at 2 p.m.